Status Department Reports to Compensation band Overall responsibility Specific responsibilities Full-time permanent International Programs Director, Health 3B Reporting to the Director of Health, the Senior Health Advisor will play an important role in guiding, strengthening and supporting Plan International Canada and Plan International s global capacity and expertise in its large portfolio of health programming, to support in proposal development, and to further policy and research initiatives. The Senior Health Advisor will be responsible for leading a team of Health Advisors and Health Officers, and will be committed to gender equality and realization of children s rights. A major component of the work will be to: (i) provide health related technical support to health advisors and staff of Plan International Canada and its partners in the field ; (2) take technical leadership in the design and development of concept notes and proposals on projects related to (but not limited to) maternal, newborn and child health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and nutrition; (iii) lead/participate in the development of policy and position papers for Plan International Canada, and to contribute to those of the global Plan International federation organization (iv) lead/participate in Plan s and external health networks that are relevant to Plan International Canada programs; and (v) perform any other relevant tasks related to Plan International Canada programming, program effectiveness and quality assurance as required. This will involve working with a range of individuals and teams within Plan Canada and the global organization, to develop systems, tools and processes to build Plan s capacities and to encourage continual learning in this regard. The position is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with frequent trips to the field to different Plan Country Offices. 1. Program/Grants Development: (30%) Identify and pursue funding opportunities with other donors both in Canada, globally and through the field offices to expand Plan s health programming Plan International Canada Inc. Page 1
Develop and/or support development of technically sound programme concepts and proposals relating to improving health status of children, adolescents and women Provide technical input on the health components within other cross sectoral project proposals 2. Technical advice and Capacity Building: (35%) Provide leadership to Plan International Canada with respect to advancing best practices, ensuring health programs have high technical quality, and improving the learning and quality of existing Plan Canada funded health projects. Provide training and organizational capacity building of Plan International Canada and Plan Country Offices to effectively implement health programming with emphasis on a child rights-based approach, child survival, maternal and newborn health, and sexual and reproductive health with an emphasis on effective strategies to reach most marginalised groups, particularly adolescents and on innovation. Provide technical support to strengthen the quality of health programming in Plan Country Offices, and to offer value addition, capacity building and sharing of tools, best practices and learning from within the sector. This will include applying Results-Based Management monitoring and reporting, review of quantitative and qualitative data, baseline surveys and studies. Liaise with gender advisors to ensure that health programming is also gender transformative Participate in project planning, implementation and evaluation to ensure adherence to best practice in the field of health 3. Policy, Networking and Public Awareness (15%) Provide leadership in linking Plan International Canada s work with global health networks, including presenting in global conferences Working with others in Plan International Canada s technical and monitoring and evaluation teams, contribute to formulation of research initiatives in health highlighting key successes in maternal and child health issues in the developing countries Review and analyze findings from baseline surveys, and other qualitative and quantitative research from health projects Along with others in the Health team, ensure visibility and engagement of Plans work in international development and health forums and networks in Canada, Plan International and relevant international relevant fora/conferences. Develop and/or support partnerships and cooperation with other organizations in Canada and overseas on strengthening health programming and policies Represent Plan International Canada at provincial, national and international development forums on health Plan International Canada Inc. Page 2
Keep up to date with professional knowledge on strengthening health of women, adolescents, and children in developing countries In collaboration with the Advocacy team, advocate with key stakeholders on strategic health issues 4. Provide people leadership to Health Team members (20%) Provide direction, coaching, development and support to the team of health advisors and health officers, including day to day supervision, recruitment, hiring, setting performance expectations, and managing performance. Skills, experience, qualifications The Senior Advisor position has people leadership as a core competency with 20% of his/her time dedicated to this effort and noted on his/her respective performance framework. This person is directly responsible for the management of that team. Budget and number of staff can be directly correlated to scope of portfolio. Role includes full accountability for recruitment, hiring, setting performance expectations, and managing performance, promotion, demotion and discipline up to and including termination in line with organizational policy and adherence to minimum legislative requirements including ESA and Human Rights Code. Leadership includes: temporary, contract, intern, volunteer or permanent staff. Advanced University degree preferably in health, medical degree, or post graduate in development or other relevant discipline Minimum 10 years program experience in international development with a focus on health, including the provision of technical support and expertise; most of which should have been gained overseas Experience working for International NGO in a developing country and/or the local Ministry of Health A good knowledge of global health development issues, especially community based approaches to addressing adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, Maternal and Child Health Care, nutrition, Health Systems Strengthening and familiarity with health information systems Proven track record in mobilising grant funding and designing/managing projects in health Experience in project management cycle, monitoring and evaluation, and data analysis Strong technical capacity in health programming and accurate technical advice to health projects in the developing world, with a particular emphasis on adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, MNCH, and nutrition. A strong familiarity with standard health indicators Proven skills in proposal writing, innovation and rights based programming Plan International Canada Inc. Page 3
A working knowledge of health management information systems in developing countries Proven skills in results based management approaches Commitment to gender equality and ability to apply this in the work environment Good information gathering, assessment, analysis and presentation skills Good listening skills and demonstrated capacity to work effectively with others, including in matrix environments and with staff operating overseas French and/or Spanish and/or Portuguese skills considered a strong asset Solid understanding of gender equality and exepreience in gender transformative approaches and preferably as it relates to health programming Good familiarity, networking and working relationships with different donors and other partner organizations Demonstrated ability to review, synthesize information and produce quality reports Solid grasp of Global Affairs Canada s approach to Results Based Management or other Logical Frameworks Experience and proven track record in leadership and team/people management, Able to work in a team environment, pitch- in attidude a must Knowledge of child rights-based approach to programming is a strong asset Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point) and internet use Must be eligible to work in Canada A strong work ethic coupled with tact and diplomacy Personal values consistent with those of Plan International s corporate values About Plan International Canada Imagine working for a leading international non-governmental organization (NGO) that s dedicated to creating a better world. That s Plan International, a global movement for change, mobilizing millions of people around the world to support social justice for children in developing countries. Founded in 1937, Plan International is one of the world s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, Plan International has only one agenda: to improve the lives of children. Because I am a Girl is Plan International s global initiative to end gender inequality, promote girls rights and lift millions of girls and everyone around them out of poverty. Plan International Canada is part of a global network of offices in over 70 countries. Our busy Toronto and Ottawa-based offices undertake Plan International Canada Inc. Page 4
fundraising, donor engagement and public outreach, as well as overseeing a wide variety of field programs led by our International Program Department, which includes experts in health, education, water and sanitation, economic security, gender equity, child protection and participation, and humanitarian assistance. We at Plan International Canada are a dedicated, passionate and diverse team of over 200 employees who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children. Join us and plan to change the world. How to apply Visit our website at plancanada.ca To apply for this role please forward your CV and covering letter, outlining your skills, experience and salary expectations to gethired@plancanada.ca by January 20, 2017. Please reference Senior Health Advisor in the subject line. Plan International Canada sincerely thanks all applicants for their expressed interest in this opportunity; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Consistent with our Child Protection Policy the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including the vulnerable sector screen. Plan International Canada is an inclusive workplace, and is committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted. Plan International Canada Inc. Page 5